Connector Lock Detection Circuit to Prevent Premature Mating Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector arrangements face challenges in reliably detecting a locked state between connectors, often resulting in premature signaling due to mechanical or electrical circuit issues, which can lead to incorrect mating verification.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement featuring a resilient member that deflects and releases to synchronize the movement of spring contact arms within an electric circuit, ensuring the locked state is only signaled when the connectors are fully mated, with one contact arm obstructed from returning to prevent premature signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring contact arm is used in the electric circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of mating detection deteriorates due to premature signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design by using two spring contact arms with different behaviors during mating. One contact arm is obstructed by the locking feature while the other is not, creating an asymmetric response that reliably indicates the locked state. This asymmetry prevents premature signaling while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is deflected in advance during the mating process, which preliminarily positions both spring contact arms in a translocated state. This preliminary action ensures that when the locking feature engages, the unobstructed contact arm can immediately close the circuit, providing reliable detection without premature signaling.
2Reliability
If electrical circuits are placed in both connector parts, then the reliability of mating detection is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mating detection function into a single connector by combining the resilient member, both spring contact arms, and the electric circuit into one unit. This eliminates the need for separate detection circuits in both connectors, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable detection through the synchronized movement of both contact arms.
3Reliability
If the resilient member is released during the mating process, then the locked state is established, but premature signaling may occur if contact arms are not synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
Both spring contact arms are preliminarily transferred to a translocated position by the deflected resilient member before the locking feature engages. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the resilient member is released, both arms are ready to respond simultaneously, preventing premature signaling while enabling immediate reliable detection upon locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the electric circuit that closes only when both contact arms are properly positioned and the locking feature is engaged. The circuit state reflects the actual locked state, providing accurate feedback that prevents premature signaling and confirms proper mating.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a more reliable mating detection by preventing premature signalization of the locked state, ensuring accurate verification of connector mating and allowing for a simpler, cost-effective design with the electric circuit confined to one connector, enabling reliable communication through changes in the electric circuit state.
Implementation Method 1
The first locking feature comprises a resilient member, which is deflected by the second locking feature during a mating process, and which is released when the mating process is complete
Implementation Method 2
the contact arms are both transferred from an initial position to a translocated position by the resilient member when the resilient member is deflected during the mating process. In the locked state the second locking feature obstructs only one of the contact arms from returning into the initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
Connector arrangement having a connector and a corresponding mating connector, the connector comprising a housing and a first locking feature for latching with a corresponding second locking feature of the mating connector, the connector further comprising a mating detection device for detecting a locked state of the first locking feature with the second locking feature, and wherein the mating detection device comprises an electric circuit.